DEFENSIVE AND COMPETITIVE BIDDING LEADS AND SIGNALS W B F CONVENTION CARD VS. 1-LEVEL SUIT OPENER (Style: Responses:Reopening) OPENING LEADS STYLE CATEGORY: Simple Suit Overcalls Leads vs Own suit Partner s suit 2015-07-09 1-level may be 4-crd suit (re-bidding RHO s minor is nat) Suit contract 4 th from H, or 2 nd without Highest if supported (O) 2-level is intermediate to quite strong (X will follow latter) NT contract As above Std count if not PLAYERS: In Protective seat may be 4 card suit (even at 2-level) Subsequent As above As above MARTIN GRUNDER Responses: IMTIAZ KAPREY New suit by unpassed p = F1; by passed p implies fit ; HONOUR LEADS SYSTEM SUMMARY 1NT = 8-10; 2NT=11-13; UCB = good raise Lead Vs. Suit Vs. NT GENERAL APPROACH AND STYLE Simple NT Overcall A/Q/J Asks uda Asks uda 2/1, 5crd Majors, 4crd D, C approach, 15-17 NT Direct seat = 15/18 King Asks udc Asks unblock/udc Aggressively competitive, UDCA Protective seat = 11/14 T/9 Shows 2/0 higher Shows 2/0 higher SPECIAL BIDS THAT MAY REQUIRE DEFENSE Responses: Michaels [1] System On SIGNALS IN ORDER OF PRIORITY Leaping Michaels [ 2 ] Jump Overcalls Partner s Lead Declarer s Lead Discarding Lebensohl [3] 2NT lower 2 suits (weak or strong) SUIT 1 Uda or suit pref Udc Uda Check Forcing and non-forcing [4] 4 of a minor = that minor and a (other) Major 2 Udc Udc Udc 2 way Drury [5] 2/3 of a Suit = WJO (like weak 2/3 openings) 3 Minorwood [6] Responses: NT 1 Uda or suit pref Smth echo Uda Kickback [7] New suit = F1; 3NT to play 2 S/P Udc Udc Keycard 14/30 & Exclusion Blackwood [7A] Cue Bids Serious +Non Serious SlamTries [8] Simple Cue of a minor = MAJORS Signals (including Trumps): Suit Pref BERGEN [9] Simple Cue of a major = om & a minor (weak or strong) ONE UNDER BIDS AFTER X OF A MAJOR [10] Direct Cue at 3-level = stopper ask DOUBLES Smolen after 2c [11] Take Out Double GENERAL RULE Checkback after 2 C opening [12] Responses: In principle all DBL s are for T/O, except Transfers & super accept [13] Jump = 8-10, 4crd; Dbl Jump = 8-10, 5-crd 1. X of a weak NT is penalty Retransfers [14] Cue of opener s suit = 11+; NT bid = Natural 8-10 2. Partner has pre-empted GOOD BAD NT [15] VS. NT (vs. Strong/Weak; Reopening) 3. A t/o X has previously been converted Overcaller jumps to 4 of openers suit [16] vs Strong NT =Hamilton where x = 5/6m + 4M 4. All X s after a penalty XX is for penalties Journalist and other leads [17] vs Weak NT = Hamilton 5. X of a 4-level opening is optional Other special bids [18A & 18B] X = Penalty; 2C = Majors; 2D = 1-suiter 6. X of cue bids or artificial bids are lead directional 1c (us) 1d (opps)..subsequent actions [19] 2M = M/m 2-suiter; 2N = minors 7. Lightener X Inverted Minors [20] vs Protective NT = X shows good hand Cue bid raises,mixed raises & fit jumps [21] VS.PREEMPTS (Doubles; Cue-bids; Jumps; NT Bids) RONT [22] X: up to 3-level = T/O; 4+level = optional Smollen Puppet Stayman Special Bid [23] Cue at the 3-level is stopper ask Italian cuebids showing 1 st and 2 nd round controls Cue of a minor at the 4-level = Majors (Michaels) Splinters 4 of a minor = that minor and a (other) Major Weak 2DHS (Leaping and non-leaping Michaels) SPECIAL, ARTIFICIAL & COMPETITIVE DBLS/RDLS 4N over 2/3M = minors Negative; Responsive; Co-operative; Penalty; Support; 4N over any 4-level bid = 2 of the other suits Lead directional; Sacrifice; Protective SPECIAL FORCING PASS SEQUENCES VS. ARTIFICIAL STRONG OPENINGS- i.e. 1 or 2 When we have shown game values in competition X=Majors NT= Minors IMPORTANT NOTES OVER OPPONENTS TAKEOUT DOUBLE See attached sheet XX; Trf raise; System of raises on PSYCHICS Rare
OPENING ARTIFICIAL? MIN. LENGTH NEG. DBL TO M=Major; m=minor; om=other Major; om=other minor; JS=Jump Shift; DJS=Double Jump Shift; Trf=Transfer; p/c=pass/correct NF=Non-forcing; SF=Semi-forcing; GF=Game force; F1=Forcing for 1 round; inv=invitational; GT=Game try; ST=Slam try dbl tn=doubleton; DESCRIPTION RESPONSES SUBSEQUENT ACTION 1 Y 2 3 12HCP-<GF 1-1 May be bid on 3crd if too weak for 1N (5-7) We open 1 with 1-1N = 8-10; denies 4crdM 1 N 4 3 4/4 in the m s 1-1N = 6-10; denies 4crdM unless suit quality 1 / = 4+crd, F1; over 1 may conceal longer s if < inv 1N[1]; 2M[2]; Reverse[3]; 2NT[4] dictates otherwise. Simple raise = 4+crd support; denies 4crdM, F3m Min: 2N=bal; 3m=unbal[5]; 2m+1=GF relay[5] We often open 1 Non-min: 3new=nat; JS=splinter; 3N=bal with 4 /5 then JS in om [2 /3 ] = inv rebidding 2 if NT JS in M s [2 / ] = Weak (3-7); 6+crd suit rebid is flawed (alertable) 2N = 10-12; denies 4crdM Jump raise = Weak (3-7); 5+crd support DJS = Splinters; limited hands 6+crd support; denies 4crdM 1 / N 5 3 4 COMPETITIVE & PASSED HAND BIDDING May be 4crd in 3 rd 1N = F1; 2M = constr 1M-1N[6/7]; 1M-2M[8] Drury [12] Bal 4crd raises: 2M+1 = GF; 2M+4 = 8-LTC 1-2 [7]; 1-2N[8] Mini Splinter [12] Splinters: 2M+2/3 = 8-LTC; 3M+/2/3/4 = shortage GF 1-2N[9]; 1-3 [10] 3M+1 = undisclosed void, GF; 3/4M = tactical 1-3 [11]; 1-3N[11] NOTES INT N 15-17; May contain 2 = Puppet Stayman 3 =Simpson/3 =5/5 in M s/3m=smolen - 5crdM 2 / / /N = Trf s With Super Accepts - 6crdm 3 / = 4crd suit, 5crdom, 3/1 in M s; 3 / =1-suited ST - singleton A/K 4 = Gerber / 4NT = Quantitative 4 / = Trf, Weak Or Strong (ST); 4 =minors 2 Y 0 G/F Except 2 = 1+ controls or 2xQ s 2 =Kokish[13]; 2N=22-23; 3M=4crd with 5+crd after 2NT rebid 2 = Negative 2 /2N( )/3 / = 6+crd suit, 2 of top 3, or 3 of top 5 hons 2 2 / N 5 Weak All Responses F1 2NT = Enquiry 3suit N 6 Natural New Suit Forcing Optional 3N Y 8 Trick Hand Major Bid 4H =Pass Or Correct 4C Asks If P Has Outside Ace 4H/S Denies 4D Shows Ace 4suit N 7 8 Card Pre-empt Natural 4N Y Minors High Level Bidding 5suit N Pre-empt DOPI & ROPI
NOTES 1 MICHAELS CUE OF MAJOR =OTHER MAJOR + MINOR 1CL 2NT =D + H 1D - 2NT =CL + H 7A 2 LEAPING MICHAELS AFTER WEAK 2 or DUTCH 2 or MULTI -JUMP TO 4 OF A MINOR SHOWS OTHER MAJOR + THAT MINOR 3 LEBENSOHL 2NT RELAY TO 3CL AFTER 1NT -2H 2NT AFTER X OF WEAK 2 or MULTI 4 CHECK BACK STAYMAN 2CL = N/F 2D = F 5 2 WAY DRURY 2CL =9-11 WITH 4 TRUMPS 2D =9-11 WITH 3 TRUMPS 6 MINORWOOD 4 CL MINORWOOD IN CL s 4 D - MINORWOOD IN D s 7 KICKBACK 4S BLACKWOOD IN H S REV KCARD EXCLUSION 8 SERIOUS & NON SERIOUS SLAM TRIES IN H s 3 S = SST ANY OTHER BID IS NON SERIOUS CUE IN S s -3NT = SST & ANY OTHER BID IS NON-SERIOUS CUE 9 BERGEN RAISES after 1 st or 2 nd major opening 1M 3M = 6 or < pts + 4M 2M =8-10 pts + 3M 1M 3CL =6-9 pts +4M 3D =10-11pts + 4M 3NT = 12-15 Pts,flat hand -3M 2NT = JACOBY -4M -12 OR > Pts 10 ONE UNDER BIDS AFTER 1S X 2H =8-10 + 3S a X OF 1M 3CL/D =BERGEN if 1 st or 2 nd Seat Opener 2CL =DRURY if 3 RD OR 4 TH Seat Opener XX =XXS -9-11 Pts 2NT = 10-11 Pts + 3S 3NT =12 or > pts + 3 or 4 S 1H X 2D = 8-10 + 3H ALL OTHER BIDS AS ABOVE 11 SMOLEN AFTER 2CL 2CL 2D 3M Shows 5 or 6 D + 4M 12 CHECK BACK AFTER 2CL 2CL 2D 3CL 3D asking for a 4 card major
13 Transfers & Super Accept 1NT 2H 3S 4S + MIN 2NT 4S + Flat hand or worthless XX MAX 3CL/D/H 4S =A or KX MAX 1NT 2S =T/F to CL s 2NT =SUPER ACCEPT 1NT 2NT =T/F to D s 3CL =SUPER ACCEPT 14 RETRANSFERS 1NT 2H 3CL 3H Super accept RETRANSFER 15 GOOD BAD 2NT 1H 1S 2D 2S 2NT 3CL/D 16 If overcaller jumps to 4 of Openers suit EG 1CL 4CL 1D 4D 1H 4H S SUIT 17 JOURNALIST & OTHER LEADS GOOD/BAD GOOD HAND LONG EITHER MAJOR WITH OUTSIDE TRICKS As Above Lead of 10 promises J + 1 higher or nothing higher Lead of 9 promises 10 + 1 higher or nothing higher Lead of Q Cld be from K or AQJXX 18A Other Special Bids 1S 1NT 3CL G/F unless relay broken 1H 1S 3CL As above 1H 1NT 2S As above 1m 1M 18B 4m 1H 1S 3NT 1m 1M 4M 19 1CL 1D 1H/S CLD BE a 4 CARDER X Both 4 card majors 1CL X 1D/H/S Cld be a 4 card suit Partner bids lower major Pass or correct 18-19 flattish hand with 4 of partner s M As Above 5H + 4S Distributional raise 20 INVERTED MINORS 1m 2m 10 or > pts 2NT 12-13 pts 3NT 14-15pts 1CL 2D 1D 2H 2CL 2D Good Hand As above
21 MIXED RAISE response To partner s overcall FIT JUMP 1H 1S P 3H 1H 1S 3CL 22 RONT If 1NT by opener is doubled for penalties 23 Puppet Stayman Special Bid Or 1NT overcall is doubled use RONT If bidding goes 1NT 2CL 2D 3H/S OR 2NT 3H/S Shows 4 trumps -8-9pts Shows that 5 carder + 3-4 trumps + 8-9 pts XX shows 1 suited hand - P to bid 2CL Any suit bid shows that suit + higher Shows 5M + 3 card OM
Note 1: Opener rebids 1NT: 2 forces 2 [all invitational hands], then Pass = weak 2M = balanced 5crd suit 2oM = 5/4 2N = invitational balanced (in principle denies 5M) 3m = 5crdM & 4crdm 3new = 5/5+ 2 is GF shape ask, usually with balanced or semi-balanced hand Rebids by both sides are natural and up the line with 2N used as a waiting bid 2M is to play 2oM is p/c if showing 5-4, or inv 4-4 if reverse 2N is a transfer to 3 [weak????] 3any shows distributional GF, 5/5+ Note 2: Opener raises to 2M: 2M+1 (enquiry): Opener may sometimes raise responder s M with 3crd support if a NT rebid is flawed. With game interest, responder may enquire with 2M+1, then: 3new ( * ) = shortage & 3crd support [Opener may now pass 3M by Responder if min] 3m = no shortage, 3crd support & min [3M now by responder is to play] 3M = no shortage, 4crd support & min 3N = no shortage, 3crd support [or 4M-3-3-3] & max JS = shortage & 4crd support 4M = no shortage, 4crd support & max ( * ) note 1m - 1, 2-2 - 3 = shortage & 4crd support 1m - 1, 2-2 - 2N = shortage & 3crd support Note 3: Opener reverses at the 2-level: Opener s 2-level reverse is F1 but not 100% GF. Any bid by Responder other than 2N will however create a GF. 2N by Responder is Lebensohl, asking Opener to bid 3, and R can then show a weak hand and pass or make a NF re-bid. Suit below 2N is natural, NF 2N is trf to 3 [Note, with a GF hand Opener must break the Lebensohl trf to 3, and instead show their hand type naturally. This applies in all Leb situations.] 3-level bids, natural and GF
Note 4: Opener jump rebids 2NT: 3 = checkback; then 3 = 5crdm 3 = if M= then: 3crd and not 4crd (3 by R would then be a cue-bid) = if M= then: 4crd and not 3crd (3 by R would then be a cue-bid) 3 = if M= then: 4crd may have 3crd (If R now bids 3N, O has rights to bid 4 ) = if M= then: 3crd may have 4crd (3 by R would then be a cue-bid) 3N = Not 3M or 4oM or 5m 3 = if M, then 6+crd suit demanding cue; if om then 5/5 in Majors (O cues to agree, and bids 3N to play) 3 =if M, then 6+crd suit demanding cue; if om then 4/4 in Majors (O cues to agree, and bids 3N to play) Note 5: Inverted Minors: 3m = to play opposite minimum limit raise. Responder may now bid 3m+1 to ask about shortage: O now bids: - shortage (4m shows suit above and kickback applies) - 3N without shortage It is recommended that all hands which are GF start via the relay all other shape showing bids will show extra values, but R can attempt to sign off in 3m if unsuitable. Responses to the relay: after GF 2m+1 2M = shortage 2N = balanced 13+ [3 asks for range with 2pt step responses step1=13-14, etc] 3m = 6crd suit, inv, no shortage 3Relay = shortage 3N = balanced, 11-12 Note 6: Forcing NT: 1-1N - Then 2 = 2+crd 2 / = 4+crd / 2 = 6+crd 2N = 18/19 bal 3 = artificial GF 3 = natural GF
3 = natural, 5/5 inv NF 3 = Inv, 6+crd suit 3N = running source of tricks in plus 1 ½ outside tricks After 1-1N - 2 2 = trf to (5+crd ) which O can only break with 0-1, 6 or 5/5 & If the transfer is accepted then: Pass = weak 2 = doubleton 2N = 10-12 pts probably 1-5-4-3 3 = 4+crd, NF 3 = 5+crd, NF 3 = 6+crd, inv 3 = 3crd, inv 2 = Trf to 2 (O must complete the trf) then: Pass = weak 2/3crd (remember immediate 2 = constr.) 2N = 4crd, inv 3 = 5+crd, inv 3 = 6+crd, inv 3 = 3 = 3N = 3 card raise with unspecified shortage 3N asks 2 = Constructive raise 2crd 2N = limit bid 3 = 5+crd Pre 3 = 6+crd Pre 3 = 3 = balanced raise with 3 (10/11) After 1-1N - 2 2 = natural 5+crd NF 2 = Preference 2N = limit 3 = 6+crd, inv 3 = 4+crd, inv 3 = 6+crd, inv 3 = Limit raise with 3crd After 1-1N - 3-3 [relay] 3 = nat GF, 5/4+ 3 = GF with 6+crd (equivalent to an Acol 2) 3N = & - R can bid 4 with support and slammish. Then 4 would be kickback If R does not relay it is an attempt to sign off even opposite GF hand.
Note 7: Kaplan Inversion: 1-1 - Then 1N = 12-14, system on 2 = 2+crd, 2 by responder shows 8+ O bids 2 with &, or 2N/3N min/max 15-17 bal. 2 = 4+crd, NF 2 = 6+crd, NF 2 = unspecified GF 2N = 18-19 balanced 3 / = 5/5 NF but good hand 3 = 6+crd inv 3 = 5crd +6crd, GF 3N = running source of tricks in plus 1 ½ outside tricks After 1-1 - 2 2 = inv O must bid 2N then 3 = 6+crd inv to 3N 3 = 6+crd inv to 3N 3 = 2crd, inv 3 = inv, 3crd After 1-1 - 2-2N [enquiry] 2 enquires 3 = nat GF; 3 agrees, other suits cue for the minor 3 = nat GF; 3 agrees, other suits cue for the minor 3 = GF with 6+crd 3 = GF, 4crd and 5/6crd (new suits are cues) Note 8: Splinters: After 1 3 = LTC of 8, or shortage. 3 = LTC of 8, shortage 3N = undisclosed void DJS= shortage, LTC of 7 (ltd) or 5- After 1 2N = LTC of 8, or shortage. 3 = LTC of 8, shortage 3 = undisclosed void 3N = shortage DJS= shortage, LTC of 7 (ltd) or 5(-)
Note 9: Balanced GF raise: 1M 2M+1: 1-2 - Then 2N = shortage 3 / = shortage 3 = 16+, bal, 3N = 14-16, bal DJS = good 2 nd suit, ST 4 = min (12-13 bal) 1-2N - Then 3 / / = shortage 3 = 16+, bal, 3N = 14-16, bal DJS = good 2 nd suit, ST 4 = min (12-13 bal) Note 10: Game tries after 1M 2M: 1-2 - Then 2N = asks for shortage; R shows @ 3-level, denies with 3, or bids a good 5+crd side suit at 4-level 3 / / = shortage 3 = barrage 3N = running source of tricks in M plus 1 ½ outside tricks 4 / / = ST, good side suit 1-2 - Then 2 = asks for shortage; R shows @ 3-level (2N= ), denies with 3, or bids a good 5+crd side suit @ 4-level (3N= ) 2N = short 3 / = shortage 3 = barrage 3N = running source of tricks in M plus 1 ½ outside tricks 3 /4 / = ST, good side suit Note 11: Passed hand responses to 1M 1N = NF 2 = 4crd support, 9-11pts; then 2M = sign off; GT/ST as after 1M-2M above in Note 10 2 = 3crd support, 9-11pts; then 2M = sign off; GT/ST as after 1M-2M above in Note 10
2M = 5-9pts JS = splinters 9-11 Note 12: 2 Puppet Stayman 2 = at least 1x 4crdM 2 / = 5crd suit 2N = no 4 card majors not maximum (3 =5/5 & ; 3M=4crd suit & 5crd in om) 3m = 5crd suit maximum (next step asks for doubleton) 3M = doubleton with 4/4 in minors, max 3N = any 4333, max After 1N -2-2any 2M = inv 5crd suit, bal 2N = bal inv 3 = Simpson After 1N -2-2 3 = 5/5 in M s (inv??/gf??) 3M = Smolen; 4crdM, 5crdoM Note 13: 3 Simpson shape ask After 1N -2-2 - 3 3 = dbl tn m [3 asks; 3 =dbl tn & 3N=dbl tn ] 3M = dbl tn 3N = no dbl tn After 1N -2-2M - 3 3 /om = dbl tn 3M = dbl tn 3N = no dbl tn After 1N -2-2N - 3 3 = 5/2 in m s, 3/3 in M s [3 asks; 3 =dbl tn & 3N=dbl tn ] 3M = dbl tn, 4/4 in m s 3N = no dbl tn Note 14: Transfers over 1N 2 = at least 1x 4crdM Two suiters
1N - 2-2 - 2 = 5 +4m inv; O can bid 3m = P/C, 2N, 3N, 3 or 4 1N - 2-2 - 2N = 5 +4m inv; O can bid pass, 3m = P/C, 3. 4 or 3N 1N - 2-2 - 3 = GF 5+ and 4+ After GF sequences Principle of Fast arrival applies (e.g. 3 is stronger than 4 ). After 2 suits are shown, 6crd KC applies Single suiters minors tfr into minor the auto splinter or minorwood by bidding 4m majors bid 3M Serious and non-serious slam tries apply 1N-2 / -2 / -4M = mild ST based on length and distribution rather than HCP After a transfer to a major, a jump in a new suit is a splinter a simple raise of the major is invitational 1N - 2-2 - 4N is quantitative 1N - 4-4 - 4N is RKCB Transfer Breaks break transfers when holding 4 trumps to 3M when 4/3/3/3 to 2N with a ruffing value but no honour in the doubleton into a doubleton with a doubleton honour retransfers apply at 3 and 4 level Note 15: Responses to 2 opening 2 = 4+HCP usually guarantees a king or a waiting bid intending to control hand 2 = double negative (denies a king) Suit = natural, good 6+ card suit 2 of top 3 honours or 3/5 JS = 1 loser suit DJS = solid suit 2N = positive in After 2-2 2 = Kokish R must bid 2 now if O bids 2N = 23/4 bal, or new suit i.e 2 was natural 2 = Natural GF 2N = 22-233 balanced NF (System on) 3 = 5+crd, 3 asks for a M 3 = 3M = 4crdM & 5+crd